Wonthaggi - Inverloch
Statistical Area - sa2

Wonthaggi - Inverloch lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Wonthaggi-Inverloch's population is 29,547 as of Nov 2025. From the 2021 Census, this shows a growth of 2,755 people (10.3%) from 26,792 to 28,865 in Jun 2024, including validated new addresses since then. This results in a density ratio of 40 persons per square kilometer. The area's growth exceeded the non-metro area's 6% and SA4 region, making it a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 88.3% of recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area (released in 2024 with a base year of 2022), and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections for areas not covered, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels.

Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas from 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is predicted to grow by 13,718 persons (43.9% increase) based on latest population numbers.

The level of residential development activity in Wonthaggi - Inverloch was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Wonthaggi-Inverloch has seen approximately 415 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 2,077 homes. As of FY26106 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 new residents per year have arrived with each new home between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions. The average development value for new dwellings is $341,000.

This financial year has seen $167.2 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Wonthaggi-Inverloch has slightly more development, with 36.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values. Construction activity has eased recently.

Nationally, this level is well above average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 91 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections show Wonthaggi-Inverloch adding 12,969 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects likely to impact this region. Key projects include Northern Views Estate, Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan, Summerfields Estate, and Powlett Ridge Estate. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

While Wonthaggi - Inverloch retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Wonthaggi-Inverloch has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 3.8%, matching the Rest of Vic.'s rate.

There are 12,339 residents employed, but workforce participation lags at 49.7%. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Manufacturing is under-represented, with only 5.1% of Wonthaggi-Inverloch's workforce compared to 7.7% in Rest of Vic..

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparisons. Over June 2024 to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7%, and employment declined by 1.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.9%, labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand in Wonthaggi-Inverloch. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific growth rates varying significantly. Applying these projections to Wonthaggi-Inverloch's employment mix indicates local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Wonthaggi-Inverloch's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $43,526. The average income stood at $55,874 during the same period. These figures are below Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. By September 2025, based on a 12.16% increase in income as per the Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes for Wonthaggi-Inverloch would be approximately $48,819 and $62,668 respectively. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Wonthaggi-Inverloch fall between the 10th and 14th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $400-$799 dominates with 27.0% of residents (7,977 people), unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket dominates at 30.3%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains in Wonthaggi-Inverloch, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Wonthaggi - Inverloch, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 7.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other types of dwellings. This is similar to Non-Metro Vic., which had 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wonthaggi - Inverloch stood at 49.2%, with mortgaged properties at 30.1% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,467, exceeding Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,450. Median weekly rent in the area was $298, slightly higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s figure of $295. Nationally, Wonthaggi - Inverloch's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,467 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were also lower at $298 against the national figure of $375.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.5 percent of all households, including 21.3 percent couples with children, 33.8 percent couples without children, and 9.6 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.5 percent, with lone person households at 32.0 percent and group households comprising 2.5 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate in 20.5% is significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (27.9%). A notable 24.2% of the population is engaged in formal education, comprising 9.3% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

The area has 15 schools serving 3,513 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 996) indicating balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 8 primary, 6 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. Note: for schools marked 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Analysis of public transport in Wonthaggi - Inverloch indicates 134 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 13 individual routes that facilitate 563 weekly passenger trips collectively. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents typically situated 416 meters from their nearest transport stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 80 trips per day, resulting in approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wonthaggi - Inverloch is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant issues in Wonthaggi - Inverloch, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% (around 14,182 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.6%) and mental health issues (9.3%). Around 60.0% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 61.6%. Approximately 29.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (around 8,660 people). Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wonthaggi-Inverloch showed lower cultural diversity, with 84.7% born in Australia, 89.6% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.6%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

Top ancestral groups were English (32.8%), Australian (28.9%), and Scottish (9.4%). Dutch (2.5% vs 2.5%) and Italian (4.1% vs 3.4%) showed notable representation, while Irish matched regional levels at 9.3%.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wonthaggi-Inverloch has a median age of 50, which exceeds the Rest of Vic figure of 43 and is above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 16.7%, higher than Rest of Vic's percentage and well above the national 9.4%. The 15-24 cohort, however, is less prevalent at 8.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has grown from 10.4% to 11.2%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Wonthaggi-Inverloch's age profile, with the 25-34 age group projected to increase by 2,249 people (80%), reaching a total of 5,071 from its current 2,821.